CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) – Local leaders and residents held a forum in Chicopee Tuesday night to discuss the pending legislation that would provide legal protection for transgender people in public spaces.

A 2011 bill made it illegal to discriminate based on gender in the workplace and education, but not in public places. 22News spoke with people who said that new legislation is critical because many still face discrimination.

According to Mason Dunn, the Executive Director of Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition, “We’re hoping to see this pass as soon as possible. We know this discrimination is happening and it is so important to see this move as quickly as possible. So we’re hoping to see this move in the next few months.”

Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse urged lawmakers to get behind the bill. He said Massachusetts is behind in transgender equality issues.